Why does my BMW 2 Series make a clicking sound but not start — is it a busted starter motor?

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Why does my BMW 2 Series make a clicking sound but not start — is it a busted starter motor?

When I turn the key o r push the start button on my BMW 218i, I only hear a single click but the engine doesn’t crank. Could this mean the starter motor is damaged, and how can I be sure?

Gari Specialist asked on 13 Jun 2025 13:59:14 pm

1 Answer

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Gari Master - on 13 Jun 2025 14:02:19 pm

A clicking sound when starting your BMW 218i, with no engine crank, is often a sign of starter motor issues. This could be due to:

A faulty starter solenoid the part that pushes the gear into place.

Electrical connection issues, like a loose wire o r corroded terminals.

A completely dead o r weak battery can also mimic starter failure.

To confirm, perform a voltage test on the battery first. If the battery is fine and you still hear only a click, the starter motor is likely faulty and may need replacement.